"In this special series about the OEM+ CSL front end, I document the logistics, unboxing impressions, fitment attempts and review of the final fitment & required hardware.

In this journal entry, I unbox the CSL bumper and go into finer details about its design features."
-Matt

 

First Things First: No Shipping Damage :) 

The carbon fenders were smaller panels and packaging was thus easier on the DHL Connexion. 

The CSL carbon bumper was packaged in a much bigger box - evidently this carries more risks. 

Careful attention was put on bubble wrapping the edges of the bumper to a great degree, along with sticking the easily damaged splitters in a roll of bubble wrap, and paper to avoid any visual damages. 

It made it fine and well from Germany to Canada without a scratch - on a boat no less. 

Unboxing impressions. 

Just like the carbon fender, we won't know precisely how good these are until this is fitted to the car next week.

Let's chat about the design details and what makes this CSL bumper stand out from the pack. 

1:1 CSL Design Replica.

As with most replica products I seek to source and develop for the community, my focus is first and foremost of replicating the Genuine BMW designs 1:1. 

There are a few low quality CSL bumper replicas on the market that are known for poor fitment. I can't comment on fitment yet - but I can comment on design, an often overlooked aspect of replica CSL bumpers. 

Matching CSL Snorkel hole. 

The CSL snorkel hole is often positioned wrong and has the wrong curvatures. It's an obvious design difference for anyone who's been too much time stalking every other CSL images on Instagram and Google. 

Matching CSL Splitters & Gaps. 

Alsatek offers their own splitters as well. I picked the original 1x1 weave pattern finish on mine. 

They are truly beautiful pieces. I've seen my fair share of E92 M3 splitters in my days and I can attest to the differences between a proper replica, and your Alibaba Casino Special. 

This is the real deal. 

This CSL bumper fits with any 1:1 replica of the CSL splitters. I'm glad it does - because these will get pitted, chipped and busted over time. 

It's been chatted about that BMW has changed suppliers on their splitters and fitment quality has gone down. It isn't a crime yet as many aftermarket manufacturers offer 1:1 replica. 

 

Lower bumper grill brackets are OEM. 

1:1 CSL Carbon Manufacturing Process: 
Pre-Preg & Autoclave.

I'll never get tired from saying it: Pre-Preg & Autoclave Carbon Fiber. I've touched on this topic multiple times and I will do it again. 

This is actual 100% real carbon fiber. 

Pre-Preg is the carbon manufacturing process of choice by Genuine OEM: it's what BMW M used. 

They picked it for a variety of technical and business reasons: 

• Cheap molding costs relative to ABS plastics
• Extremely high tensile strength and low weight. 
• Repeatable, quality aesthetics: no bubbles from excess resins. 

The process uses a negative mold in which pre-impregnated carbon layers with a resin system.

As a result, the prepreg carbon is ready to lay into the mold without the addition of any more resin.

Once the necessary thickness, and aesthetics are achieved, the pressure and heat of an autoclave are used to laminate the pre-preg carbon. 

Pre-molded, integrated bumper carrier. 

The CSL bumper mimics the OEM CSL bumper and features a pre-molded, integrated bumper carrier. I'll comment on how this is installed in the upcoming journal entry. 

I got on all fours and I found a pleasing surprise: more carbon. 

"Up next: Proof will be in the pudding once I get this test fitted shortly. Stay tuned"
- Matt